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Neighbors in Squirrel Hill have been left in shock following Saturday's deadly shooting at the Tree of Life: Molly Bedo described the synagogue as a “safe haven,” but “now it feels stripped away from you.”

“There’s a shooter in Squirrel Hill? What are you talking about?” daughter Molly Bedo found herself asking.

The mom and daughter were members Tree of Life synagogue up until this year and, like many others in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood, they were horrified when they heard news that a gunman killed 11 worshippers as he hurled anti-Semitic hatred during the rampage.

“How do you walk in there again and walk by that spot,” Pepper wondered of the survivors’ of Saturday’s massacre.

Police officers were at her door throughout Saturday as her family waited for the news from the scene. Like many in Squirrel Hill, Pepper called the neighborhood “tight knit.” She knew Cecil Rosenthal, a longtime Tree of Life member who died in the shooting, as well as his brother David, who was also killed.

Pepper and Cecil Rosenthal went to grade school together, and she said she tried to defend him from bullies. “I’m heart sick about it,” she said. Rosenthal was known for and loved to greet people at the door of Tree of Life, she said. “He was so connected, with being happy and promoting happiness,” Pepper added.

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Chatham University students hug during a visit Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, to a makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life Synagogue to the 11 people killed Oct 27, 2018 while worshipping in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. GENE J. PUSKAR/AP

Mourners visit the memorial outside the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 31, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Eleven people were killed in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood on Oct. 27. Jeff Swensen, Getty Images

Students from the Yeshiva School in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh stand outside Beth Shalom Synagogue after attending the funeral service for Joyce Fienberg, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. Joyce Fienberg, 75, was one of 11 people killed when a gunman opened fire during worship services at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday, Oct. 27. Gene J. Puskar, AP

This is a painted rock in memory of Rose Mallinger, 97, found Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, part of a makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, to the 11 people killed during worship services Saturday Oct. 27, 2018. Gene J. Puskar, AP

The casket of Irving Younger is led to a hearse outside Rodef Shalom Temple following his funeral on Oct. 31, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Irving Younger was one of 11 people killed in the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27. Jeff Swensen, Getty Images

A processional leaves the Jewish Community Center after the funeral of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018. Rabinowitz and 10 other people were shot and killed Oct. 27, 2018 during a service at Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Robert Bowers allegedly screamed anti-Semitic epithets, as he opened fire on the congregants, law enforcement officials said. Eleven worshippers were killed and six other people were wounded. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK

One of the caskets for brothers David and Cecil Rosenthal is carried out of the synagogue at the conclusion of funeral services at the Rodef Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh on Oct. 30, 2018. Mykal McEldowney, Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Network

Family members of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, embrace before his funeral at the Jewish Community Center in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK

Eleven candles, one marking each life of the people killed at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, were lit during a vigil at Chabad of Vermont in Burlington, Vt., Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Ryan Mercer, Burlington Free Press, via USA TODAY Network

Students from Yeshiva Girls High School pray, on Oct. 29, 2018, outside of the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Robert Bowers allegedly screamed anti-Semitic epithets, as he opened fire on the congregants of Tree of Life during a service, law enforcement officials said. Eleven worshippers were killed and six other people were wounded Saturday. CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER

Names of the victims in the mass shooting at Tree of Life Congregation Synagogueare posted at a memorial outside of the synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa., Monday. CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER

Mourners visit the Tree of Life Synagogue on Oct. 29, 2018, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh after 11 were killed and six others were wounded Saturday. Cara Owsley, The Cincinnati Enquirer

Magda Brown reflects on the time she spent in a concentration camp as a 17-year-old. Brown spoke to reporters on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. A gunman entered the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue opened fire, killing 11 and wounding six on Saturday morning, according to officials. MARKELL DELOATCH/PUBLIC OPINION

Cindy Goodman, previous chair of the Community Relations Council for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, is hugged by a local community leader during a press conference at Freedom Unlimited, Inc., on Oct. 29, 2018. The gathering, held by community groups and religious leaders, honored the 11 victims who lost their lives inside the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday. MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/INDYSTAR

Rev. James H. Harris, right, of St. James AME in Pittsburgh, says a prayer in honor of the 11 victims who lost their lives inside the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday. Local religious and community leaders were asked to lay a hand on members of the Community Relations Council for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh as a prayer was said during a press conference at Freedom Unlimited, Inc., Monday. MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/INDYSTAR

Richard A. Stewart Jr., president of NAACP Pittsburg branch, addresses community concern after the recent shooting inside Tree of Life Synagogue Community during a press conference at Freedom Unlimited, Inc., on Monday. MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/INDYSTAR

Lauren Bairnsfather, director of Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, talks about the outpouring of sympathy and support she has recieved since Saturday's shooting in Pittsburgh, Pa. MARKELL DELOATCH/PUBLIC OPINION

Etsy Peles, 17, and a senior at a girls-only high school within the Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh, saw the black names written on white stars outside the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue, before dozens of bouquets.
“It’s moving right in front of us, and the names of all the people, and you just felt it in the air, it was tangible,” she said a few hours later from a meeting room at her school. “And I feel like by going back to the place and praying there and singing there, we just showed everyone that you know we can and will remain strong.” CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER

"Love this beautiful neighborhood" is written on the sidewalk near the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer, via USA TODAY Network

Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life/Or L'Simcha Congregation stands across the street from the synagogue in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Shooting suspect Robert Gregory Bowers is expected to appear in federal court Monday. Authorities say he expressed hatred toward Jews during the rampage Saturday morning and in later comments to police. Matt Rourke, AP

Messages on a barricade are left near the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Monday, October 29, 2018. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer, via USA TODAY Network

Hundreds of area residents filled the seats and stood during a vigil at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, N.Y. on Oct. 28, 2018, in response to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh synagogue. The vigil was organized by several Westchester County based Jewish organizations. SETH HARRISON, The Journal News-USA TODAY Network

People gather outside the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum on Oct. 28, 2018, in Pittsburgh, during a community gathering in the aftermath of the deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue. MATT ROURKE, AP

People listen to interfaith speakers on Oct. 28, 2018, at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall before a service to honor and mourn the victims of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images

Flowers and cards sit at a makeshift memorial down the street from the site of the mass shooting that killed 11 people and wounded 6 at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images

People hold candles during a vigil against anti-Semitism and white supremacy, in response to the shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh, at the Human Rights Monument in Ottawa, Ontario, on Oct. 28, 2018. JUSTIN TANG, The Canadian Press via AP

Fans pause for a moment of silence to honor the victims of the shooting in Pittsburgh before the game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Posters at Heinz Field honor the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports

People walk under the U.S. and Israeli flags projected on the walls of Jerusalem old city, Oct. 28, 2018, organized by the Jerusalem municipality to show solidarity with the Pittsburgh Jewish community following the shooting attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. MENAHEM KAHANA, AFP/Getty Images

Members of the FBI and others survey the area on Oct. 28, 2018, outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, 2018. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP/Getty Images

Members of emergency services gather, Oct. 28, 2018, outside of the Tree of Life Synagogue after a shooting there left 11 people dead in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, 2018. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP/Getty Images

Stephanie Myers and Sally Merar, both of Pittsburgh, try to light candles in a drizzle during a vigil in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. SARA C. TOBIAS, Newark Advocate via USA TODAY Network

Tammy Hepps, hugs Simone Rothstein, right, on the intersection of Shady Avenue and Northumberland Street after multiple people were shot at The Tree of Life Congregation synagogue. ALEXANDRA WIMLEY, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP

Neighbors around the corner from the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue embrace one another in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Oct. 27, 2018. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images

Police respond to an active shooter situation at the Tree of Life synagogue on Wildins Avenue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa. on Oct. 27, 2018. PAM PANCHAK, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP

Police respond to an active shooter situation at the Tree of Life synagogue on Wildins Avenue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa. on Oct. 27, 2018. PAM PANCHAK, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP

That welcoming of spirit extended throughout Tree of Life, Pepper and Bedo said.

Bedo described the synagogue as a “safe haven,” but “now it feels stripped away from you.”

Bedo said she stayed in Squirrel Hill, raising her own family, because of a feeling of security and community in the area. She remembers being dragged to Saturday services as a child with her grandfather, who would sometimes invite strangers over for dinner after meeting them at the synagogue or around the neighborhood. Her husband also grew up in Squirrel Hill.

But now, Bedo said she’ll have to decide whether she’ll want to send her kids to a Jewish school, feeling a rise of hate throughout the country.

“You are now a target,” she said, showing her tattoo of the Star of David on the back of her neck. “You leave this neighborhood – it’s not how the world really is. Your bubble is broken.”

“It’s not going to go away when you pull the window shade down,” Pepper added.

But within the neighborhood, Bedo seemed more optimistic. “The only thing you’ll see out of this – the doors to people’s homes will open up to more others.”

Around the Squirrel Hill on Sunday, many went about their days as normal. Families walked around with their dogs. Friends greeted each other outside their homes.

Hanna and Michael Steiner were heading to a local farmers market after a meeting at the Jewish Community Center. The building that housed the center was secured throughout the day, with police officers standing outside.

“These are places we go to pray,” Michael Steiner said, teary-eyed. “This isn’t a place where I think of weapons.”

He and his wife are members of a different local synagogue, and he said he can’t even begin to let the question of “what-if” enter his mind. The couple said it was hard to wrap their head around the hatred that drove the attack.

And like others, they said a sense of fear is also setting in. “Everyone feels the threat and danger,” Hanna Steiner said.

City of Pittsburgh police officers Mike Smidge (L) and captain Scott Schubert (center) and Anthony Burke (right) perform a ceremonial puck drop with Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27) before the game at PPG PAINTS Arena. Officers Smidge and Burke were injured responding to the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh on October 25. Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports

This fan's sign tells the story at Heinz Field on Sunday. Ahead of the Steelers-Browns game, the Steelers, Pittsburgh and Heinz field paid tribute to the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports

Posters at Heinz field, with a Star of David replacing one of the hypocycloids in the Steelers logo, in honor the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. The Steelers faced the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports